Public Realm Services

Milton Keynes Council

Play Area Action Plan: 2013 - 2023
Contents
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Aims of the strategy 2
3.0 Strategic context 3
4.0 Play standards 4
5.0 Current management and resources 6
6.0 Audit and proposals 2011-2016 7
7.0 Design and maintenance policies 8
8.0 Delivery plan 15

Appendix

1.0 Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this Play Area Action Plan is to guide the improvement of existing play area
facilities and to identify new opportunities for future facilities across the Borough. This document
has been prepared by the Council as an output of a review group established in December
2012 to consider the councils approach to the provision of new and existing fixed play areas 1.

1.2 This document sits under the Milton Keynes play Framework, which was approved by
Council in 2012. The Play Framework2 vision and aims for development of play for Children and
young people and sets the context for this document.

1.3 This Plan relates closely to the Milton Keynes Public open Space framework and the Milton
Keynes Local Plan, which was approved by Council in 2005, and which sets out standards for
the provision of play areas across the borough. The action plan also takes on board
recommendations made Review of Wheeled Sports Provision within Milton Keynes.3

1.4 Having set the development of play areas in context, and in recognition of the financial
restrictions facing public authorities, the Action Plan sets out proposals designed to deliver the
aims set out in the Play Strategy and fulfil as far as possible the standards set out in the Local
Plan. In this document, where the term “children” is used, it applies to children and young
people aged 0-16 years of age.

1
http://cmis.milton-keynes.gov.uk/CmisWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=37959
2
http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/mkcouncil/documents/Play-framework.pdf
3
http://cmis.milton-keynes.gov.uk/CmisWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=37208
2.0 Aims of the Play Area Action Plan
2.1 Play enables children to develop their physical and learning capabilities as they develop and
grow. Play may occur in many settings and even within public open space this should not be
limited to designated play spaces, symbolised by the presence of equipment. However, such
fixed play spaces are important foci not only for children’s play but also the creation of social
links which is a benefit to children, accompanying adults and the wider community.

2.2 The design of a play area is critical as its impacts, both positive and negative, will be felt for
many years. For example the space available for play, the numbers of users and their ages, the
immediate environment and the type of housing.

2.3 All those involved in creating, using and maintaining play areas, councillors, developers,
residents, maintenance teams etc have a common goal, to ensure the installation is successful
and sustainable. The main focus of the action plan is to address:

1. Follow the recommendations made by the Play area Review group, commissioned by the
Over View and Scrutiny Committee established to consider the Council’s approach to the
provision of new and existing fixed play.
2. Picks up and references the aims and vision set out in the Play (Strategy) Framework,
(2006, 2012)
3. Provides the historical context and trends in provision and demand.
4. Sets out a vision for future play area provision.
5. Prioritises future investment taking cognisance of the current budgetary position.
6. Set out the methodology for a play area impact assessment to ensure all sites contribute
positively to the overall play opportunity.
7. Proposes a detailed corporate action plan for refurbishment, replacement, removal or
creation of new play areas designed to meet the standard set out in the Local Plan.
8. Sets out the role and potential for district play provision, creating destination sites
capable of delivering the needs of a large catchment.
9. Details the approach to wheeled sport, in particular site and impact assessment
methodology.
10. Acts as an advocacy document for investment in and maintenance of play areas.

2
3.0 Strategic context
3.1 Vision
The vision for this action Plan is:

“Milton Keynes will plan and manage high quality, accessible play spaces that contribute
sustainably and positively to community wellbeing”.

They should be
1. Well designed – to encourage play and community cohesion, aesthetic but maintainable
within budget
2. Well located – where possible near to other community facilities, sited to ensure the
negative impacts are minimised and linked to good pedestrian and cycle networks.
3. Well regarded – communities value the sites and have ownership of them, are engaged
in the planning, design and maintenance of the spaces.

3.2 Play in partnership: a strategy for Milton Keynes

The Play Partnership provides the steer for play in Milton Keynes, the group is comprised of
members from a number of key partners including the Play Association, Parks Trust and the
Council. The Milton Keynes Play Framework gives an understanding about the definition and
importance of Play in the development of children and young people.

Figure 1. Play area context: some of the linkages between play and other functions of the
council and its partners. Play is key to both the physical and cognitive development of young
people and successful play areas can help to regenerate areas and increase community
cohesion

Maintenance

Health and National and

wellbeing local guidance

Neighbourhood Planning
regeneration MKC-HCA
Play areas

Consultation Strategies and

and policy
Engagement
Partners and Children and
stakeholders young people

3
4.0 Play standards

4.1 The Council’s standards for open space and Play areas in Milton Keynes are shown in
Table 1. They are based on standards in the Milton Keynes Planning Manual (1992) and the
replacement Milton Keynes Local Plan (2005). They reflect recommendations and priorities in
the recent Milton Keynes Council Leisure Facilities Strategy 2003-2008 (2003) and the Playing
Pitch Strategy (2003). They are also based on advice in PPG 174, the accompanying Good
Practice Guide, Circular 5/2005 and the emerging Milton Keynes Public Open Space
Framework.

Table 1: Open Space Standards in Milton Keynes (Local Plan, 2005)

Category Per 1,000 Catchment Characteristics

population

0.35 hectares 300 metres Mainly for children up to age 8

Local Play Areas

• Unsupervised play close to home

• Located at 500m intervals
• Active Zone should be at least 20m from residential
property boundaries and 30 metres from roads
• Approximately 5 items of play equipment and small
games area

0.6 hectares 600 metres For all children, but emphasis on 8+

• For unsupervised play
• Located at 1,000 metre intervals
Neighbourhood Play

• Active Zone should be at least 40m from residential

property boundaries and 30m from roads
• Approximately 8 items of play equipment and ball
games area, goal wall, cycle area; larger more
adventurous equipment.
• The inclusion of youth shelters, wheeled sports facilities
areas

and multi-games walls for teenagers is essential

PROPOSED 5 km For all – Multi generational

IN Pay • For unsupervised play
Action Plan • Facilities for a prolonged stay including free to access
(Not toilets and shelter. Car parking and refreshments
District Scale play Areas

presently in • Should be accessible by the whole community, in terms

Local Plan) of arrival and stay.
• A wide range of play experience which compliment the
surroundings, that provide challenge and provide a
significant opportunities for meeting, imagination, role
play and manipulation of the environment
• Potential to include larger wheeled sports facilities and
other facilities for teenagers.
Will require innovative funding mechanisms to ensure
sustainability

4
PPG 17 has now been superseded by the National Planning Policy framework
4
4.2 The Councils Supplementary Planning Guidance for Leisure sets out the Council’s approach
to the provision of open space, sport and recreation in conjunction with new housing
development. The guidance details how the Council will implement Local Plan policies for these
topics. The Council will seek on site provision, or contributions to off-site provision or upgrading,
at levels identified in the local open space standards in Table 1.

4.3 For sites of 10 to 49 dwellings, on-site provision will not normally be sought. For sites of 50
to 199 dwellings, on-site provision for Local Play Areas and Local Parks will normally be sought.
For sites of 200 dwellings or more, on site Neighbourhood Play provision will also normally be
sought. Where schemes are too small for play provision and/or open space to be provided an
off site contributions will be sought. This contribution will be used for improvements to existing
play areas or open spaces within the catchment of the development as laid out in the Local
Plan.

4.4 The Public Open Space Framework (POSF) approved by the Council in April 2013 included
action on children’s play:
PPA1 Provide high quality, accessible plays opportunities for all age groups and abilities
 Audit all play spaces for accessibility and play value by 2014
 Publish a comprehensive list of play area provision across the Borough by 2014
 Develop a costed plan to provide strategic large scale play sites across the Borough by
2014

PPA2 Involve children and young people in the design and development of play spaces
 Establish a young person’s forum (potentially part of the Youth cabinet) to inform the
location and design of play spaces and create new methods of delivery by 2014.
 Establish qualitative guidelines for the design of play spaces and wheeled sports by 2014

Play occurs in many places and is not

restricted to official play areas. It is
important that children can appropriate
spaces within their community to freely act
out their own play. Developments should
include these “loose fit” spaces that may
primarily be designed as landscape buffers,
ecological corridors or character landscape
but also create playful landscape.

5
5.0 Current management and resources
5.1 The Council currently manages 492 sites across the Borough, the Parks Trust are to be
offered all new play areas in the growth areas, at present they have four in Broughton three in
Oxley Park and one each at Willen Lake and Monkston. Therefore, there are a total of 501
public play areas across the Borough (June 2013) . There are an additional 52 play sites that
have had their equipment removed at end of functional life span, these require landscape works
to return them to quality public open space.

5.2 Additionally, infill development occurs, some of which triggers the inclusion of play provision.
Through section 106 (Town and Country planning act 1990) developers can be required to
either build or contribute towards play provision. In some cases this has created play areas
unnecessarily when they could have been served by an existing provision.

5.3 FIX-IT is the Council service which is responsible for the maintenance and inspection of the
Councils play area stock and other public realm assets
 Manages 492 sites and 5337 listed assets, recorded on a dedicated data base.
 Approximate values of asset £14.15 million, sites subject to yearly external inspection.
 Team of 7 operatives, 7 assistants and one manager – budget of 200k for spares and
 maintenance – equates to £406 per site on spares parts and refurbishment.
 Present condition of play assets includes play equipment, safer surfacing and ancillaries
 Poor 707 items 17%
 Average 2513 items 61%
 Good 456 items 11%
 As new 426 items 11%
5.4 Additional to the revenue budget for FIX-IT the Council also contributes to capital
investment. There a number of mechanisms for this:
 Parish play area fund 50:50 fund worth a total of 100k
 Play area equipment review and improvement fund - 100k per annum
budgeted for 5 years (2013 – 2018) to address play area issues
 Section 106 funds – Where appropriate used to enhance existing sites

5.4 As part of the Councils response to the localism Bill (2012) the capital asset transfer
programme has been established. Parishes and Town Councils are being consulted on their
interest on taking on assets which includes play areas. For this to become a reality the stock of
play areas must meet the needs and resources of the communities they serve.
6
6.0 Audit and draft proposals

6.1 An audit of play areas was carried out in 2009, this included risk, play value equipment, site
opportunities, constraints and brief recommendations. Whilst this audit requires updating it was
clear that many sites fell short of the Local Plan standard in terms of quality, but far exceeded it
in terms of quantity. The main reason for this disparity is that many sites were built prior to the
Local Plan standards and represent an earlier understanding of needs and play.

Chart 1: Items of equipment by site

Items of equipment per play area

Over 260 sites contain less than 5 items of
80
70 equipment, the threshold for a Local Play Area as
60
stipulated in the local plan. Whilst some sites will
Play areas

50
40
30 have the potential to be improved others will not,
20
10 due to limitations in the site or proximity to
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 homes.
Ite ms of e quipme nt

6.2 There are a large number of sites with few items of equipment. This is a historical legacy
which predates the Local Plan. It should be borne in mind that children will and should have the
option to play in a variety of settings and whilst a piece of play equipment can be an important
symbol to this intention it is not essential. Moreover these sites offer low play value in terms of
their equipment and a limited age range but still require regular risk assessments and repairs a
financial cost that out ways the fixed play value. Through a more focused analysis of play types
and catchment areas gaps in provision or duplications can be identified.
Map 1 Distribution play areas in the urban districts

Circles indicate
the catchment of
the play site,
colour of circle
represents the
type of play
facility
Red – LAP
(defunct planning
category)
Blue: Local Play
Green:
Neighbourhood
play.

7
7.0 Design and maintenance policies
7.1 The approach to the design of play areas should follow a multi - professional ethos,
including all those who will be involved in the play area over its life i.e. Landscape architects,
environmental health officers (noise), maintenance staff, Police officers, play and community
workers. There may be opportunities to include public art or ecological elements in the design,
these create additional interest in the design and offer further opportunities for engagement with
the community.

7.1.1 The main reason for the play area is to promote children’s play and therefore the process
should be child centred, based on their desires, expectations, how they play and what they
need to get out of the play experience. Designs are also governed by the need to meet the play
standard BS EN 1176 Parts 1 to 11. The choice of equipment and layout of the play space
needs to allow for inclusion, allowing as wide a range of children to play together as possible.
The play space must be sustainable, meet consulted needs and not be easily vandalised.

The 10 principles for designing successful play spaces5

Successful play spaces…

■ are ‘bespoke’
■ are well located
■ make use of natural elements
■ provide a wide range of play experiences
■ are accessible to both disabled and non-disabled children
■ meet community needs
■ allow children of different ages to play together
■ build in opportunities to experience risk and challenge
■ are sustainable and appropriately maintained
■ allow for change and evolution.

7.1.2 Whenever considering the design or substantial enhancement of a site a design brief
should be produced to encompass the overall approach. The brief should include an
assessment of the opportunities and constraints of the site and the process of design must
address each of the ten principles. For any new development the play facilities should be clearly
designed and indicated before any occupations.

Policy P1
The design of play spaces must be accompanied by a design brief and consider
future management and whole life costs. For any new development the play area
design must be fully developed and publicised before occupation occurs.

5
Design for Play: A guide to creating successful play spaces. http://www.playengland.org.uk/resources/design-for-play.aspx
8
7.2 Play and Risk
7.2.1 Play is unusual in that it is one of the few areas that the Health and Safety Executive have
accepted that it is desirable to have some degree of acceptable risk present. Children need and
want to take risks during active play. Quality play provision aims to respond to these needs and
wishes by offering stimulating, challenging environments for exploring and developing their
abilities, striking a balance between the risks and the benefits. This is done through risk
assessment which:
• Ensures the likelihood of serious injury is extremely low
• Makes sure potential hazards are clear
• Uses practical ways to manage reasonable risk

7. 2.2 Lord Young's Cabinet report 'Common Sense Common Safety' (2010) highlights the
importance of children being able to experience risk and endorses the use of risk-benefit
assessment and proposed a review of legislation, so that play areas will no longer be covered
by regulations designed to cover workplaces.
“Safety in play provision is not absolute and cannot be addressed in isolation. Play is first and
foremost for children and if it is not exciting and attractive to them it will fail, no matter how ’safe’
it is. Designers, managers and providers will need to reach compromises in meeting these
sometimes conflicting goals.” 6
“…. safety must be considered at all stages of play provision but inevitably there will be risk of
injury when children play, as there is risk of injury in life generally. We must not lose sight of the
important developmental role of play for children in pursuit of the unachievable goal of absolute
safety.” 7

7.2.3 Some of these ideas have been implemented in recent projects under the Playbuilder
programme but are evident in much earlier Development Corporation landscape schemes.
Where it is proposed to remove isolated pieces of fixed play equipment the inclusion of glacial
boulders or similar features can assist in signifying the space is still “playable”.

Policy P2
The design of play spaces and there future management will adopt risk-benefit
analysis as part of the design and management approach.

6
Managing Risk in Play Provision, Play Safety Forum, National Children’s Bureau, 2002
7
Health and Safety Executive, in Managing Risk in Play Provision, 2002 A risk-benefit analysis (a detailed study of
the risks inherent in play areas measured against the potential benefits to children’s development) should therefore
be carried out at the design stage of all new play facilities.
9
7.3 The impact of Play Spaces
7.3.1 Whilst on the whole play areas should be areas of positive activity, allowing children to
freely vent their physical, cognitive and emotional impulses. There will at times be negative
issues surrounding these areas. Issues such as anti-social behaviour might occur; but these
could indeed crop up in any number of places and spaces, and should be dealt with in an
appropriate manner. However, some negative impacts could well be foreseen and should be
designed out, for example noise impact, the need for car parking and the relationship to
surrounding homes and buildings.

7.3.2 Play Area Impact Assessment (PAIA) is a means of drawing together, in a systematic way,
an assessment of the likely significant environmental effects arising from a proposed
development and as a means to ensure an appropriate8 play provision is available for residents.
All new proposed play areas will require an assessment as will any existing sites due to under
go significant change or investment, typically in excess of £20,000. The level of impact
assessment will be determined both by the type of play area proposed, as set out in the Local
Plan and the context of the site; by virtue of factors such as its effect on the neighbouring
properties, size, nature or location.

The requirement for EIA comes from recommendations of an Overview and Scrutiny Committee
subsequently agreed by Cabinet in January 2013:

o Play Area Impact Assessment be carried out to ensure that the proposals are ‘Fit for
‘Purpose’.
o Engage and consult when considering substantial alterations to the play provision,
including the removal of play areas
o Wheeled sport - their location should be decided using a strategy that includes criteria
for acceptable site locations and must consider a wheeled sport hierarchy
o That a policy be drawn up for the provision and allocation of strategically placed
destination parks
o That the Council adopts a policy for the replacement and upgrading of end of life play
equipment and that a Capital Budget set up for this ongoing purpose.

Policy P3
A Play area Impact assessment is carried out on all new and substantial altered
Play spaces (Appendix1).

8
Appropriate means the supply and type accords with Local Plan Policy and the quality is assessed as acceptable by the
impact assessment.
10
7.4 Wheeled sport provision
7.4.1 The term Wheeled sport can cover a wide variety of provisions, from tarmac training
circuits designed for young children to learn basic bike skills to large concrete skate board and
BMX areas. The Local Plan stipulates the inclusion of wheeled sport for Neighbourhood Play
areas along with other activities for teenagers.

7.4.2 Given the noise and longer hours that these areas are used an impact assessment will be
required. Presently in Milton Keynes there are large skate type facilities that are linked with play
provision, but there are others: Willen Road, Newport Pagnell and the Buszy, in CMK, that are
stand alone sites and some distance from dwellings. Larger wheeled sports provision will attract
an audience from a wider catchment and thus need to be linked to district scale play provision
have access to public transport and provide car parking and other facilities.

7.4.3 A recent review of wheeled sports facilities (2013)within Milton Keynes concludes that
whilst the council’s Policy is robust when compared against national and good practice
guidance many of its sites have been significantly further away from properties than the stated
40m minimum. Case studies of other sites outside Milton Keynes generally provide a large
buffer zone of at least 100m and/or noise assessments. Therefore rather than a minimum
distance a noise assessment will be required to ascertain the level of disturbance for any
wheeled sport facility intended for teenage use.

Policy P4
An Impact assessment is carried out on all new wheeled sports provision,
following the procedure set out in appendix 2.

a b

a- The Buszy – the project came about as a response to skate in CMK and the skaters self appropriated site,
this old bus station is now a hub for teenage activity and includes MAD a charity working with young people
b- Newport Pagnell Skate park, came about through the need of young people and the support the Town
Council from amongst others, young people were helped in a successful funding bid to replace the old
wooden ramps with concrete, ensure a greater sustainability of the site – Image from Roy Pink Cycles

11
7.5 Play area development plan
6.51 With the aid of Geographic information systems (GIS) it has been possible to plot all
equipped play areas within the Borough. Using the access definitions from the Local Plan it has
also been possible to plot the catchments of the play areas which identify the “coverage” of
equipped play provision and the areas of deficiency.

7.5.2 The mapping data demonstrates generally there is a good spread of equipped play areas
in the Borough. However, in some areas there is a duplication of poorly performing sites and a
lack of good quality neighbourhood play provision. Additionally the play areas are all recorded
on a data base called “PSS public sector software”, not only does this record all site inspection
and works it also contains an asset list and a play value score.
Figure 6.5 Identifying, mapping, audit and planning of play area provision
Step 1
Establish geographical unit i.e. Town, Village, Grid square

Step 2
Establish profile of existing population – Census and Social Atlas – Determine the required provision
of play spaces to serve the population based on MKC Policy

Step 3
Determine the type and quality of existing and planned sites
– Carry out an impact assessment on the provision

Step 4
Establish the accessibility of existing sites
– Model catchment – check for blockages to access and links to community facilities

facilities -

Step 5
Carry out community engagement on the present use of play sites, potential areas for improvement
issues and concerns.

Establish profile of existing population – Census and social atlas

Step 6
Create a SMART action plan to address deficiencies and surpluses to ensure sustainable high quality
accessible play spaces that contribute positively to the whole community.

7.5.3 From this analysis a plan produced to address the under and over provision and locate
suitable sites to be removed, improved or created. The plan will include engagement with the
community, a budget and source of funds and a timeline to deliver the changes. The benifits of
the delivered plan will be a range of high quality play opportunities for all ages and ability whilst
ensuring the financially sustainability.

Policy P5
All areas of Milton Keynes to under go systematic evaluation of their play provision
to ensure they comply with the access and quality standards laid out in the Local
Plan, meet the needs of the community and are financially sustainable.
12
7.6 District Scale Play Sites
7.6.1 Distinct Scale Play Sites (DSPS) are ones that offer a broad range of activities for all ages
groups and abilities. The scope of the attraction and its wider setting would typically make visits
extended and thus warrant the additional effort in getting there. The play area may well co-
locate within an existing park, country park or large open space. There should be access to
facilities such as toilets; car parking and refreshments. District locations should also be well
connected to the Redway network and public transport to offer the widest possible catchment
and accessibility.

7.6.2 The provisions should be accessible to the whole community, in particular toilets are often
a barrier to access for the less able and therefore facilities need to be inclusive. To ensure
these facilities can be maintained sustainably novel funding mechanisms will need to be
developed, i.e. partnerships with commerce to deliver refreshments, private hire of some
facilities at certain times etc. There is also an opportunity through the Community Infrastructure
Levy (CIL) to pump prime such sites.

CASE STUDY
Emberton Country Park
The Country Park is some 10 miles North East of Milton Keynes offering a wide range of activities all year
round. The park can be accessed by Car or Bus, taking approximately half an hour from the Centre of MK, it
is also liked to by a new cycle way to the wider Redway network . Those who arrive by foot or bike are free
to enter, although a charge is made for car parking.
The park has a number of play areas of different types, including a “Gravel Extraction Experience” that
allows children to explore the loos materials and an inclusive play site with equipment for all ages and
abilities.

The park is able to financial sustain itself through the car parking fees, camping and rent from the cafeteria.
Additionally the park is used for the highly successful “Big Cow” triathlon series which widens the parks
interest and attracts additional revenue.

Policy P6
District scale sites need to be planned and sustainably funded to provide high
quality destination sites. These sites should provide inclusive multi-generational
play opportunities and offer the potential to host noisy and boisterous activities
such as skateboarding without negative impacting wider community.

13
7.7 Maintenance of play areas
7.7.1Play equipment requires regularly inspection by suitably qualified staff and remedial work
actioned promptly. The inspection regime should not be slavish, but based on good data
collection, which builds overtime to indicate those sites requiring more or less visits. The data is
captured on the PSS database which records all inspections, items of equipment, risk
assessment and work carried out. It also provides a legal platform for any insurance claims as
the inspections all contain electronic signatures. Additionally an external inspection is carried
out annually to ensure standards are maintained and independently assessed.

7.7.2 There are a variety of other maintenance tasks which are required on a regular basis in
order to keep play areas functioning in a safe and effective manner. These tasks are mainly the
responsibility of the FIX IT TEAM based in Public Realm services and consist of
• cleansing - removal of litter, broken glass, removal of graffiti;etc;
• regulation and/or topping up of loosefill (wood chip or sand)
• removal of weeds
• replacement of damaged litter bins and other items of associated infrastructure

7.7.3 Until recently nearly all public play areas were managed by MKC however more are now
managed by the Parks Trust following a cabinet decision to pass the leasehold of public open
space in the growth areas to the Trust. Following the Localism Act and the Councils asset
transfer policy potentially more organisations could manage play areas. All organisations need
to work together to ensure the public have access to high quality play spaces and support and
learn from one another.

7.7.4 Maintenance budgets are in place to deal with graffiti and the mainly minor acts of
vandalism that take place in play areas. In recent years however, equipment costing tens of
thousands of pounds has been destroyed in serious acts of vandalism. It is not feasible for
major losses to be made up from maintenance (revenue) budgets, and instead play areas may
need to be redesigned and built using project (capital) funds. The Council’s capital funds are in
increasingly short supply, and this may mean substantial delays in restoring play areas to full
usability. Through process of site analysis play areas should become more sustainable and
more highly valued by the communities they serve.

Policy P7
All play areas will be regularly inspected and maintained in a safe and clean
condition that is fit for purpose and the whole life cost of the play area will be
calculated and secured for any new play area. Those organisations responsible
public play areas work together to ensure the highest quality of provision.

14
8. Delivery plan
8.1 Delivering the vision for Milton Keynes Play Areas is a long term objective. It is not feasible
for all of the Action Plan outcomes to be achieved within short timescales. The collective
improvement for play areas to take account of demographic change or environmental
enhancement for example, requires a range of coordinated approaches. Although action is
required immediately, the realisation of outcomes will remain a much longer term objective.

8.2 Even the management and quality improvement of sites, to meet a baseline of quality for
local people across the Borough, is a significant challenge. This will only be achieved step by
step, through a consistent management approach, over ten years or more. This is the reason
why a long term strategic plan is required: to maintain that focus and provide a direction for all
partner resources.

Key: The darker arrows indicate the main stages of delivery. The 10 year plan which follows defines the high
level actions, timings and key partners who will be needed to support delivery of the priorities within each theme.
15
Appendix: 1 The identification of risk summary

Risk of failure Cause

The play area is a  The play area is too close to any residential housing nearby (living rooms,
cause of bedrooms, terrace gardens, etc.)
disturbance to the  Some items of equipment create noise, either due to the equipment itself (noises
people living caused by bearings or friction) or due to wear (squeaking)
nearby  Some items of equipment can create gathering crowds (multisports, skate parks,
etc.)
 Poorly phased with new development, delay may induce spike in usage.
 A full impact assessment has not been carried, in particular assessment of noise
– Third party is required for teenage wheeled sport provision
The play area is a  The play area design has not taken into account the diversity of the potential
source of conflicts users (age groups of the children and adolescents, parents)
or accidents  The area capacity is not suitable (insufficient quantities of equipment and
furniture)
 The play area is too multipurpose (separation between the sections not marked
out clearly enough i.e teen and toddler equipment installed together)
 The surfacing is not suitable for the types of equipment installed
 Absence of suitable protection (fences, open spaces, noise screens, etc.)
The play area is  The equipment is not attractive enough or the play area is dirty (dog excrement,
hardly used or not litter on the playing surfaces, etc.)
used at all  The surroundings are unpleasant (noise, draughts, open spaces neglected, etc.)
 The absence of furniture enabling people to rest and relax
 The play area is a long way away from the residential areas, so not many people
go there or it lacks passive surveillance.

The play area has  The equipment is not suitable (age groups too limited, equipment fragile or
been damaged easily damaged)
 The number of users has been underestimated (there is not enough play
equipment)
 The schedule for the inspection and maintenance operations is not suitable
 The area lacks an alternative play site for older children

16
Appendix: 2 Play Area Impact Assessment

Additional
Play Area Impact Assessment Comments
Location/Site
Name Date
Location -
Please Tick Suburban Rural Urban
Density -
Please Tick Low Medium High
Ongoing 5 - 10 years 10 – 15 years 15 - 20 years
maintenance - serviceable serviceable serviceable
Please Tick lifespan for lifespan for lifespan for
existing/new existing/new site existing/new
site site
Criteria
New or Yes No
existing site
(Please tick)

Score
Type LAP Local Play Neighbourhoo
d Play Comments

Score: 1= low score 5= high score

1 2 3 4 5
Compliance with Low Partly compliant; Fully compliant;
the Local Plan in compliance; site meets some or sites meets all
terms of; Type site meets only almost all of the of the
of Play Area, a few requirements of requirements of
Area; Distance requirements the Local Plan the Local Plan
from dwellings of the Local
Plan
Constraints
Constraints in Some constraints No or very few
terms of in terms of constraints in
Covenants, Covenants, TPO, terms of
TPO, easements, Covenants,
easements, reserved site TPO,
reserved site easements,
reserved site

Physical Quality
Site installations Very few or no Some of the All site
installations installations and installations and
and equipment equipment are well equipment are
are well maintained or well maintained
maintained or maintainable (if or maintainable
maintainable new) (if new)
(if new)
Landscape Very few or no Some of the soft All soft and/or
soft and/or and/or hard hard landscape
hard landscape are well are well
landscape are maintained or maintained or
well maintainable (if maintainable (if
maintained or new) new)
maintainable
(if new)

17
Improvements There is very There is some There is good
little scope and scope and scope and
opportunities opportunities for opportunities for
for improvement or improvement or
improvement change over time change over
or change over time
time
Economic The site is not The site has the The site is
improvement providing, or is potential to providing, or is
not provide, or is economically
economically economically able able to provide
able to provide to provide a a significant
a significant significant play play opportunity
play opportunity for its for its locality
opportunity for locality
its locality
Inherent Qualities
Location Poor location – Good location – Excellent
poor light and good light and location –
visibility visibility excellent light
and visibility
Light/Shade The Play Area The Play Area has The Play Area
has poor some natural has good
natural shade shade amounts of
natural shade
The built There is a The relationship There is a good
environment poor with the built relationship with
relationship environment and the built
with the built local dwellings is environment
environment good but and local
and local improvements dwellings, and
dwellings could be made no
improvements
are necessary
Inherent
Defects
Evidence of No score necessary. Please liaise with the appropriate Police Officer
crime,
vandalism
and/or
significant
misuse

Accessibility /Security

Local Poor Good Excellent

connections access/connec access/connection access/connecti
tion with the with the locality onwith the
locality and and other play locality and
other play facilities, other play
facilities, improvements are facilities,
improvements necessary improvements
are necessary are necessary
Access Access can be Access can be Access can be
Improvements improved with improved with improved easily
great difficulty some difficulty
(score 2) or it
cannot be
improved
(score1)

18
 Surveillance Few public Some public Public routes to
routes to the routes to the site the site are
site are are overlooked, overlooked, and
overlooked, and there is good there is good
and there is surveillance surveillance
poor
surveillance
Local Public Views
Discussion / Detail the approach to community engagement (no score necessary):
questioning must
be structured and
focused
Is there a Please BRIEFLY describe (no score necessary):
significant
difference of
opinion locally on
the value of the
play area – is it
likely to cause
conflict
What is the Ward Please BRIEFLY describe (no score necessary):
member / Town/
Parish council view
Possible Alternative Uses
Does the new play Please BRIEFLY detail (no score necessary):
area or proposed
change require a
noise impact
assessment,
access design
statement or other
Total score
Date of Evaluation …………………………….. Officer……………………………………………
Identification of key stakeholders other relevant officers – confirm circulation and comment
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Date …………………………………………..
Photographic Record ………………………

Notes on using the Play Area Impact Assessment:-

 Assessments should be undertaken by not less than 2 appropriately qualified officers to provide
consistency, capability and objectivity.
 Ensure all those involved in the life of the site are identified and consulted
 Evaluations should be structured, objective, quantified and recorded.
 Evaluations should consider local area, grid or multiple grid square coverage to provide a local and
“strategic” analysis of provision and needs.

Multiple site assessments should be undertaken in similar conditions or allowance made for variation in conditions.
 A structured local view/opinion is necessary for completeness.
 Costs/benefits will need to be considered against the evaluation outcomes in determining priorities for
future service resources.
 Evaluations will be reviewed by L&CSM to ensure moderation, a costs : benefits appraisal and
area/strategic overview
 Evidence, findings and conclusions must be objective, robust, open to examination and challenge.
 A photographic record is required for each play area site.
 The scoring system is a guide and to highlight existing status and relative values rather than a definitive
statement of contribution to the play area service.

Action plan
Once completed the action plan should demonstrate
 an overall improvement in play value for the given geographical area
 a more financially sustainable play provision
 the community has been engaged and informed throughout the process
19
Appendix: 3 Wheeled sport impact assessment
A wheeled sport impact assessment will need to be produced for any new wheeled sports
provision as laid out in table A2.

Table A2

Site Appraisal Site selection, options and criteria Documentation

Skate Design  Who is the site aimed advanced users, improvers and  Design brief
Criteria beginners will require different elements and to ensure it is  Equalities impact assessment
continued to be used
 What is the intended age range – a large site should cater
for all ages from 8 to 30
 Suitable for skateboarders, BMX users and inline skaters
 Comply with the BS safety regulations to obtain ROSPA
certificate
 Made from concrete with metal grinding edges, where
possible to ensure extended life
 Earth bunds for noise reduction and drainage are
important considerations.
Safety /  First aid, phone access and emergency service access are  Risk assessment
Visibility. other key requirements
 To deter undesirable activities must be visible from outside
the site, this maybe through passive surveillance, i.e. from
redways, youth clubs, cafeterias or CCTV
Access  Emergency vehicles need easy access. Mud is a major  Design and Access Statement9
hazard in skate parks and so easy hard access is required.
Public Toilets should be close by.
 Consider the impact to residents and the safety of users as
they access and leave the park
Closeness to  A Noise Impact Assessment must be carried out by an  Independent Noise Impact
Houses independent expert if the facility is to be used by Assessment
teenagers.
Users  Consider the setting up of a skate user group, this will  User group strategy
require a separate revenue budget to ensure sustainability
 Coaching is seen as very important to encourage new
users to be safe and more experienced users to develop
their skills. This could be a peer lead project but will still
require training and support Sums need to be allocated
each year for tuition at all levels of skill
 A legal graffiti wall will be provided to help reduce illegal
graffiti

9
A separate Design and access statement and noise impact assessment may not be required if it can be demonstrated that
the wheeled facility is aimed at the very young i.e. a cycle training
20
Appendix 4

History of play provision in Milton Keynes

In the 1970s the new town grid pattern was laid out. The play areas were generally very basic,
with lots of static play equipment such as Jungle Gym climbing frames, commando arch ladders
and slides. Equipment was heavy, manufactured from steel and cast iron, and no thought was
given at this time to safer surfaces. Concrete or tarmacadam surfaces were the preferred play
bases. However, some play areas had a more involved design approach with pieces of
equipment being made bespoke and included staffed adventure play areas. The provision
between estates was variable but tended towards lots of small sites, the idea being children
would use the both locally and as part of a journey, to school or the local shops.

The new play standard BS EN 1176 1-11 replaced BS 5696 in 1998 bringing with it risk
assessments and a tighter standard for play equipment manufacture and management of play
areas, to match the growing demand for safe play areas. Also over time the breath and range of
play equipment increased the types of equipment and the numbers of manufactures. This
brought issues with overall quality, spare part issues and some manufactures stopping
production.

In the past local authorities have tended to install or adopt large numbers of small play spaces
containing one or two pieces of toddler equipment, which many authorities still retain. However
this type of facility tends to attract a high level of complaints and vandalism as they suffer from
misuse by older children who are not catered for. The removal of this type of play area began to
occur when they became unsustainable, allowing resources to be concentrated on larger local
and neighbourhood play spaces which could cater for a wider age range. This has resulted in a
reduction in the number of play areas per head of population, but an increase in the quality of
provision.

Play Equipment has changed in design and function to keep pace with our ever changing world.
New materials, design, colour and technology are now integrated into the play experience.
Children’s needs and aspirations are more sophisticated than the early 1970s and this is
reflected in the types of play now offered, and now the whole play environment is considered
along with providing controlled risk and excitement to encourage good healthy sustainable play.

21
Milton Keynes Council
Public real services
Colossus T 01908 253606
Dickens Road E playareaplan@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Old Wolverton W www.milton-keynes.gov.uk
Milton Keynes
MK12 5QG 22